The Biomphalaria havanensis complex (gastropoda: Planorbidae) in Cuba: A morphological and genetic study

Abstract

Conchological. anatomical and genetic characteristics were compared among several populations of the Biomphalaria havanensis complex from Cuba and other localities in the Caribbean region. Two morphometric measures (height and diameter) distinguished two closely similar morphs of the shell. The reproductive system also separated these morphs, particularly upon comparison of sizes of the penis sheath and the preputium. The two morphological groups differed in 9 to 12 fixed alleles according to population. Further allozymic data analyzed in the present work confirmed this difference. The results strongly support the assumption that the B. havanensis complex includes two distinct species: B. havanensis, for which the type locality is the swampy area near the vicinity of Havana, Cuba and Biomphalaria sp. a species which commonly occurs in Cuba and in Dominican Republic. The taxonomic identity of Biomphalaria sp. is discussed.